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A combined bowling effort helped India beat West Indies by three runs in the first ODI of the three-match series at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on Friday.
Put in to bat first, India posted a massive total of 308/7 in their stipulated overs. Half-centuries from captain Shikhar Dhawan (97), Shubman Gill (64) and Shreyas Iyer (54) were extremely instrumental in taking the Men in Blue to a big score. For West Indies, Gudakesh Motie was the pick of the bowlers with 2-54 in ten overs.
In reply, the hosts rode on a fine 75 from opener Kyle Mayers, a half-century from Brandon King and cameos from Romario Shepherd (39*) and Akeal Hosein (32) to get close to the target. However, the Men in Maroon were restricted to 305/6, falling agonisingly short of the target.
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj successfully defended 15 runs in the final over as he conceded just one boundary (to Shepherd). Therefore, Dhawan & Co. held their nerves to seal the opening game.
The next two matches of the series will be played at the same venue of July 24 and July 27.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
What a game in the end!!! India win. By 3 runs. 💪🤩
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)
Well that was wild! What a game. Well fought WIndies. Fantastic win by India.
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB)
India wins a nail biter. Games like these are good for the future of ODI cricket
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha)
Sanju Samson's save of the day with 8 needed off 2 probably won't be remembered tomorrow.
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN)
INDIAAA WINNN 💙
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan)
Gabbar is back!!
Missed out on a century but led India to driver seat in this match.
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit)
🇮🇳 giving us the shine we needed to wake up today!🥳 🦁💛
📸 :— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL)
Indian won by 3 Runs
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB)
9️⃣7️⃣(99)
A captain’s knock from Shikhar Dhawan. 👏🏻👏🏻
Well played, Skip. 🤩🔝
Image courtesy: AFP
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets)
For his captain's knock of 9⃣7⃣, bags the Player of the Match award as seal a thrilling win over West Indies in the first ODI. 👌 👌
Scorecard ▶️
— BCCI (@BCCI)
